I have mix feelings about this short story. On one side I love the chance to learn more about the shifters in the Chicagoland Vampire series, on the oI have mix feelings about this short story. On one side I love the chance to learn more about the shifters in the Chicagoland Vampire series, on the other I had a small problem with part of the resolution. In the end I liked the story, I wish it was longer.

The short story comes with a two-chapter preview of the next Chicagoland Vampires Wild Things, which comes out on February 4, 2014. Honestly, I love that sneak peak, I can't wait to read another Merrit and Ethan story.

MAJOR SPOILER COMING, READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION

(view spoiler)[My biggest problem with the story is that Fallon has to give up who she is in order to be with the one person she loves. Her family loves her but they rather see her unhappy if she is to keep her position as the next in line to be the Apex. But if she wants Jeff, she has to give up that place. One of the things that I love so much about this series (like many UF series) is that it pushes the notions of what women can do in a world mainly dominated by men. Merrit is a great role model at that and I always envisioned Fallon as another character if equal strength and standing. But she fails to defend her right to be both the next Apex and be with Jeff even if his animal is not a wolf. I love that they get their HEA and that Jeff gets to prove that he is more than worthy to be with Fallon, I just wish that Fallon had been able to have them both. (hide spoiler)]["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>...more

Downloaded this book for free today at Amazon. Is a very short, erotica novella that features a young, billionaire business man and a 26-year-old onliDownloaded this book for free today at Amazon. Is a very short, erotica novella that features a young, billionaire business man and a 26-year-old online, fashion magazine editor. They have enough chemistry with one another capable of scorching the entire New York City in one single sweep.

I like the actual plot of the story, unfortunately is too short and rushed that there is no time for the characters to develop and in the end I really couldn’t care much for them.

Also, I don’t look at grammar when I’m reading for pleasure, but sometimes some errors just jump off the page. For example, right at the beginning of the story:

Cate swiped two glasses of champagne from a waiter that was passing by and our eyes scanned the room accessing the crowd. (Kindle Locations 15-16)

The emphasis is mine. I’m guessing that the girls were assessing the crowd. Then, almost three quarters into the story:

I nodded to each of them with a smile, and began fidgeting with my hands under the table. Carter noticed, and took his warm hand in mind, holding it in his lap. (Kindle Locations 333-334)

First time I read of a man capable of holding his mind on his lap, now that's a trick worth seeing. There really are not that many errors, but the few that are, are a bit obvious.

In all, I wish the story had been longer. I don’t mind a steamy erotica story, but I like them with a little bit more plot to them....more

Note: Even though it's an anthology of excerpts, I've been wanting to read this compilation since the moment is was announced. But for some reason itNote: Even though it's an anthology of excerpts, I've been wanting to read this compilation since the moment is was announced. But for some reason it always shows (still does) as not currently available for purchase for me at Amazon.com. Yet, I just went into the iTunes store and not only did I found the book, I was able to download it at the promised free rate. I'm don't understand it; it's official, I'm baffled....more

A single, short scene that can be found for free at Nalini Singh's website. A conversation between Teijan and Zane, spy Rats allied to DarkRiver and SA single, short scene that can be found for free at Nalini Singh's website. A conversation between Teijan and Zane, spy Rats allied to DarkRiver and SnowDancers. Is not necessary to read as it doesn't really expands the universe; but it does give an insight into the minds of those who live down below....more

Such a sweet, free on the author's website, short scene between Judd and Brenna. It's hard to choose between all the great couples in the Psy-ChangeliSuch a sweet, free on the author's website, short scene between Judd and Brenna. It's hard to choose between all the great couples in the Psy-Changeling world, but these two are my favorite pair so far.

If you are a fan of the series, then I recommend you read this short; it will only take about five minutes of your time, but it's good reminder of these characters and great to see how their love continue to grow. Not to mention that now I want pizza thanks to them......more

To see the review with all the Glitz and Glam drop by My Blog and check it out

Overall Rating:

An anthology of Christmas stories, perfect for the holidTo see the review with all the Glitz and Glam drop by My Blog and check it out

Overall Rating: ★★★★☆

An anthology of Christmas stories, perfect for the holiday season. It includes four shorts: Melting Frosty by Maggie Shayne, Charlotte’s Web by Erin McCarthy, Beat the Temptation by Nalini Singh, and Gift of the Magi by Jean Johnson. Because these are short stories I can’t really tell you what they are about without risking revealing the whole thing up, but I’ll do my best to review them without spoilers.

So I read this book due to the Vet VS Newbies challenge at Goodreads’ Gotta Have Paranormal Romance with a Kick Group. The book showcases spirits, witches, werewolves, and the magi and I totally love it. I usually stray away from Christmas books unless I want to read a story from a particular author. It’s nothing against the books, just not what I normally read. Which is why I’m so glad that I was given this book as one of my alternatives, otherwise I would have missed it completely. All four stories are worth the time and can be read in one sitting.

Here is the breakdown:

Title: Melting FrostyAuthor: Maggie ShayneIndividual Rating: ★★★★☆

Do you believe in the future, your future, to be pre-ordained? Would you follow the signs if you knew someone was giving you directions from the hereafter? There are three main characters: Mathew, Holly, and the fedora hat. Mathew lost his father one fretful Thanksgiving eve. The last reminder of his father’s presence –a fedora hat– was also lost that time; as a consequence he has hated Christmas ever since. Meanwhile, Holly lost her entire family during Christmas as well, and even though she lost everything, her mother’s love for the holiday has kept her going on strong ever since. Now Fate has found a way to put these two together and the result is a beautiful, sweet, feel-good type of story that just warms you up and keeps you smiling as you read it through.

It’s a very quick read, as is just a short story –you can finish it up in one sitting. I highly recommend it, especially since we are in the holidays.

I enjoyed the story, the dynamic between the Murphy sisters reminds me a lot of the dynamic between the Halliwell sisters from the TV series Charmed; the same type of banter and strife. It was a good story but I didn’t connect with Charlotte as much as I would have loved to. In fact, the moment Bree (the second sister) crosses paths with the uptight guy at the coffee shop I wanted to switch story and follow hers instead. In all, the story is sweet, fulfilling, nice, and fun at times.

A great story that keeps you glued until the very end. Although I have read books by Nalini Singh before this is the first story I read about her Psy-Changeling series. I am officially hooked; I want to read more about it. The story has great characters and interesting plot.

I do have to say that I felt like I needed some parts explained better, so I guess that this story is best read after one has begun the actual series, were more information about their universe is given. The truth is that I didn’t really need it to understand the story –it’s a solid standalone– but I felt slightly like I was reading a story from the midpoint onwards.

Title: Gifts of the MagiAuthor: Jean JohnsonIndividual Rating: ★★★★★

I haven’t read anything from Jean Johnson until this point, but I will make a point about getting more books from her. This is by far the best of all the stories in this anthology, to the point that it made me cry; that’s how good it is. The Three Magi is a beautiful story about the miracle that is love in everyday life and how one must keep it alive with the help of simple, little actions. It takes the story of the Three Wise Men and extends it into modern times. I definitively believe that this one is worth reading; especially on this season.

WARNINGI bought the Kindle Edition for this book and there was a glitch of sorts with this particular edition. I don't know if it's limited to my copy of the book or if it happens to every single one; but just in case here is the glitch:

As I finished the third story (Beat of Temptation) and I was clicking through to get to the next story the pop-up window that allows you to rate the book after you have finished it comes up. I recorded the glitch with my phone, watch the YouTube video to see it in action. I tried it several times and is always on the same spot, plus it comes back up at the end (where it should do normally). I reported it to Amazon, but I have no way to know if they'll fix it....more

This book (along with others) was gifted to me by one of my English professors after I helped her do a workshop for English teachers grades K-3. It'sThis book (along with others) was gifted to me by one of my English professors after I helped her do a workshop for English teachers grades K-3. It's a very sweet and lovable story for children that showcases people's overuse of technology to the point that they no longer can recognize something as simple as a book.

I love it, and I bet that any book lover will enjoy it as well; regardless of age....more

A paragraph long, single sentence that showcases a conversation (more like a dictatorship) between a mother and her daughter. In this short story -thaA paragraph long, single sentence that showcases a conversation (more like a dictatorship) between a mother and her daughter. In this short story -that takes one full page- the mother is telling her daughter, relentlessly, the correct and incorrect ways to do everything; from house chores, to cooking, to how to take care of men, etc.

Most importantly, the mother keeps telling her daughter how not to be "the slut she is so hell bent on becoming." Even though there is no prove what so ever that the daughter has disrespected her mother or her upbringing in any way. ...more

This book is an amazing anthology, 44 short stories by 42 extremely talented authors. Some of the stories are scary; others are downright creepy, whilThis book is an amazing anthology, 44 short stories by 42 extremely talented authors. Some of the stories are scary; others are downright creepy, while some leave a note of sadness at the end. Have you ever been reading a scene in a book and felt a chill go down your spine? I did while reading this book. It’s as gruesome as the genre gets, with a strange, albeit twisted, undertone of hope. It highlights human nature in the good, the bad and the extreme throughout many different scenarios. If you are a horror fan, this will be a great addition to your collection. If you want to taste the genre, this book will give you the perfect opportunity to test it out while also getting some serious quality reading. Best part is, if you buy this book you will be giving back to charity.

You read that right. I received this book for review as part of its Blog Tour thanks to Innovative Online Book Tours. Proceeds from the sales will go to The Ronald McDonald House Foundation.

A good short story about the decisions we make in life and the consequences that arise from them. The City of Eternal Hope tells the sorry of Bhasset,A good short story about the decisions we make in life and the consequences that arise from them. The City of Eternal Hope tells the sorry of Bhasset, a female demon, and her downfall from grace. Bhasset’s job is to lure unsuspected humans into willingly give away their souls to her. But when she sets her eyes on Tim she doesn’t realizes that her doom is close. This is a (as far as I’m aware) a kindle only short story of approximately 14 pages long. To tell you more about it will give away the whole plot, but if all you want is to read a quick story that makes you rethink your choices in life you can check this one out. ...more

It pretty much an overview of the steps required to be able to publish your books through Amazon. It's not overly detailed, but it does include imagesIt pretty much an overview of the steps required to be able to publish your books through Amazon. It's not overly detailed, but it does include images of some of the steps. It took me about 15 minutes to read completely, is that short. It does has various links throughout the book expanding some of the content referred to, including a link to the FAQ at the very end. It was free, so I won't complain about it; though I wish it was more detailed. ...more

To be honest, when I started reading the story I kept dozing off, to the point that I just had to put it aside and take a nap. Afterwards I picked itTo be honest, when I started reading the story I kept dozing off, to the point that I just had to put it aside and take a nap. Afterwards I picked it continue it. Although it is a bit predictable, it turns out to be entertaining and gripping towards end. ...more

It was a bit confusing at some points, but it has to do more with the fact that it's old English than the story itself. It's part of my reading from aIt was a bit confusing at some points, but it has to do more with the fact that it's old English than the story itself. It's part of my reading from a class about North American Writers.

Appearances are deceiving, that is the major concept describes in this wonderful allegorical short story. The Devil is always present in our lives and the lives of those around us, just because a person presents himself as a saint doesn’t mean that we can take them at face value. In the end, our actions will be the true determiners of our nature. ...more

I am a sucker for a good love story and that is exactly what one gets out if this short novella.

The book is short enough that it took me about 4, maybI am a sucker for a good love story and that is exactly what one gets out if this short novella.

The book is short enough that it took me about 4, maybe 5 hours total to read. Yet it is exactly the type of story I was in the mood for. A sweet, good, well written tale that had me rooting for the characters and completely interested on their story.

I like how it feels like Rhys seems to be the main character even though the story is told from Addison’s POV. The story only shifts POV whenever Rhys himself is shifting, and it is his character the one that has the most growth within the pages.

But enough with the spoilers; the bottom line is that it’s very enjoyable story, easy and fast to read. It is a great beginning to a new series.

PS: if you do choose to read the novella, stick to it until after it ends. The letter shown at the end is written by none other than Fate himself (yes, you read that correctly, Fate); I was smiling through the whole thing, which is not too long, but still.

ETA: The author read my review and clarified a minor detailed that I got wrong; Fate is a MAN! Yeap, he is. When I read the intro for book 2 it sounded to me like a girl was talking; however, this throws a new an interesting curve ball ^.^

I really liked this short story. It's erotica, so sex scenes take a huge chunk of the already short story; however, the story itself is very sweet. II really liked this short story. It's erotica, so sex scenes take a huge chunk of the already short story; however, the story itself is very sweet. I got the book for free from Amazon (I believe it's still free), and I didn't knew it was the third in the series; still, I enjoyed it and I didn't need the previous shorts to understand the dynamics of the plot. I'm intrigued by it so I'll be checking the previous works. ...more